When it comes to dynasty fantasy football, the running back position is very polarizing. Dynasty managers are notoriously wary of the position, but they are crucial for success. In this article, we will delve into the top 12 dynasty running backs who possess the skill, opportunity, and potential to dominate the fantasy landscape for years to come. Whether you’re looking to build a strong foundation for your dynasty roster or seeking to win now, these top 12 running backs are set up for success.
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Top 12 Dynasty Fantasy Football Running Backs
1. Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
There’s no denying that Bijan Robinson has quickly emerged as the premier running back in dynasty fantasy football. His 104 forced missed tackles in 2022 were the most in college football history since the stats were recorded. Furthermore, despite relatively modest receiving production in college too, his natural talent as a route runner shined.
As the focal point of a run-heavy offense led by coach Arthur Smith, Robinson’s big frame and skill set are perfectly suited to thrive. Anticipate a massive role for him right out of the gate.
2. Breece Hall – New York Jets
Breece Hall was poised for a dominant 2022 season, showcasing his skills as a top-tier fantasy running back with five consecutive top 15 finishes. However, his momentum abruptly stopped in Week 7 when he suffered a torn ACL. It is important to note that many running backs tend to start the following season slowly.
While there may be some initial caution regarding his return, Hall’s immense potential and track record of success suggests that he can bounce back. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his progress and be patient. Although Hall may be worked in slowly, he will begin looking better as the season progresses.
3. Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts
Following his spectacular performance as the RB1 in fantasy football in 2021, Jonathan Taylor faced a disappointing 2022 season. The once-dominant running back experienced a sharp decline, plummeting from No. 3 in true yards per carry to a disappointing No. 37 ranking. Compounding his struggles, Taylor also missed six games due to injury. However, it’s important to consider that his underwhelming performances cannot be solely attributed to his own shortcomings.
Taylor faced the challenges of playing in a disastrous offense with the ineffective Matt Ryan at the helm. Fortunately, a silver lining emerges as the new season approaches. With a revamped offense under the guidance of new head coach Shane Steichen, Taylor is poised for a much-needed bounce back.
4. Kenneth Walker – Seattle Seahawks
A lot has been made of the Seattle Seahawks selection of Zach Charbonnet in the NFL Draft. While it’s true that he was drafted with significant capital, he isn’t anywhere near as talented as Kenneth Walker. Walker proved himself as one of the top rushers in college football during the 2021 college football season and continued to impress in his rookie year in the NFL.
Tired: Kenneth Walker was league-worst in RB success rate; Seattle took a 2nd round RB
Wired: Kenneth Walker only hits MFing home runs pic.twitter.com/Z3OWJxTTxv
— Davis Mattek (@DavisMattek) June 14, 2023
Holding an impressive No. 10 ranking in evaded tackles as well, Walker showcased his ability to elude defenders and make big plays. Additionally, he was beginning to see increased involvement in the passing game, running a lot more routes in the latter half of the year. With his impressive skill set, Kenneth Walker is expected to continue to receive the majority of the touches in the Seahawks’ backfield.
5. Christian McCaffrey – San Fransisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey undoubtedly holds the top spot among running backs in redraft leagues for the 2023 season. However, his age as he enters his seventh season does have an impact on his ranking. Despite this, as long as McCaffrey remains healthy, he is expected to be an elite producer within the powerful 49ers’ offense. Nevertheless, some factors could potentially hinder his performance.
The presence of Elijah Mitchell in the San Francisco 49ers’ backfield is one such factor, as it may lead to a slight reduction in McCaffrey’s workload. Additionally, the 49ers’ favorable schedule could result in them building early leads too. This could potentially prompt the coaching staff to manage McCaffrey’s workload in order to preserve him.
6. Saquon Barkley – New York Giants
Saquon Barkley, after enduring three injury-plagued seasons, was finally able to stay on the field in 2022. However, his production in the 2022 season was primarily fueled by high volume rather than exceptional efficiency. In fact, Barkley ranked a modest No. 42 in fantasy points per opportunity. Additionally, his receiving yards have seen a significant decline since his impressive rookie season. He’s accumulated 1,099 yards over the past four years compared to 721 yards in his rookie campaign.
Despite these statistics, Barkley is expected to maintain a prominent role in the offense for the upcoming season. While there are concerns regarding his efficiency and declining receiving production, fantasy managers can still rely on Barkley’s significant volume. If he can manage to stay healthy, too, he could enjoy a strong three-year productivity window.
7. Jahymr Gibbs – Detroit Lions
In a surprising move, the Detroit Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 pick in the draft. This catapults Gibbs into my top 10 dynasty fantasy football running back rankings even before his NFL debut. Despite having a slighter frame, Gibbs showcased his ability to handle a larger rushing workload during his junior year at Alabama. Notably, he also made a significant impact in the passing game, accumulating 44 receptions for 444 yards. Given his potential limited rushing volume, though, his role in the passing attack will be crucial to his overall production.
8. Travis Etienne – Jacksonville Jaguars
As Travis Etienne enters his third season, he looks to build upon his RB17 finish in fantasy football leagues in 2022. Furthermore, he ranked No. 8 in rushing yards and No. 10 in yards per touch in the NFL as well. With the Jacksonville Jaguars expected to field one of the league’s top offenses, too, Etienne should benefit from increased scoring opportunities.
It’s worth noting, though, that he struggled to receive significant targets in the passing game, achieving over three passing targets in a game only three times in 2022. Contrary to the pre-draft hype surrounding his pass-catching abilities, Etienne’s route-running skills may not be as refined as initially thought. Nevertheless, he has proven to be productive when given opportunities to catch passes in open space, and his ability to handle a high volume of rushing attempts adds to his appeal.
9. Josh Jacobs – Las Vegas Raiders
Josh Jacobs, despite his consistent production, often finds himself underappreciated and criticized by fantasy managers. Coming off a 2,000 all-purpose yard season, Jacobs has proven his worth on the field. The fact that he will be returning to the Raiders for the 2023 season adds to the anticipation surrounding his potential.
Josh Jacobs vs the Seahawks this year https://t.co/Bt0L4yBtS1 pic.twitter.com/NM0L7MoRhd
— Crumbletakes (@Crumbletakes) June 18, 2023
With coach Josh McDaniels’ willingness to give him a significant workload, it is expected that Jacobs will once again be slated for a large role. Jacobs is poised for an impressive stretch of production over the next two to three years, making him a valuable asset for their teams.
10. Najee Harris – Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris, despite facing some undeserved criticism from fantasy managers as well, has proven he’s a valuable fantasy running back. While his efficiency may not have been stellar over the past two seasons, it’s important to consider the less-than-ideal situations he was placed in. Additionally, Harris had to battle through a Lisfranc sprain for a significant portion of the 2022 season. He finished as a top 15 fantasy running back, though, in four out of his last five games.
Moving forward, Harris is expected to maintain a significant role within the Steelers’ offense, making him a valuable asset in fantasy football. With his talent and the potential for improved circumstances, fantasy managers should expect him to deliver as a reliable fantasy running back for the next two to three seasons he’s with Pittsburgh.
11. Tony Pollard – Dallas Cowboys
In the 2022 season, Tony Pollard emerged as a breakout star in fantasy football leagues. Taking over a majority of the snap share from Ezekiel Elliott starting in Week 7, Pollard delivered impressive performances and finished as the RB8 in fantasy football leagues. Notably, he demonstrated exceptional efficiency, making the most of his opportunities on the field. However, despite his remarkable season, fantasy managers should exercise caution due to the uncertain nature of his situation.
Pollard broke his fibula in the post-season and is only on a one-year deal in Dallas. Additionally, he has yet to prove his ability to shoulder a high workload consistently throughout an entire season. It is important for fantasy managers to approach their future prospects with a level of caution.
12. Rhamondre Stevenson – New England Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson emerged as another notable breakout player during the 2022 season. He impressively surpassed the 1,000 rushing yard mark while also being targeted 88 times in the passing game. With the departure of Damien Harris, Stevenson could be in line for an increased workload in the upcoming 2023 season.
However, fantasy managers are well acquainted with Bill Belichick’s affinity for utilizing a running back-by-committee approach. Stevenson’s exceptional talent, though, warrants his inclusion in these dynasty fantasy football running back rankings.
